The next morning, dawn was just breaking, and the thin mist had yet to clear.
The plaza outside Dao Seeking Academy was already packed with people.
A dark mass stretched from the academy gates all the way to the distant end of the street, so far that the eye could not see its limits.
Qian Renxue stood on the high platform before the academy gates as an envoy of Spirit Hall.
She had changed into Spirit Hall's standard robe for the occasion. White with gold trim, it bore the emblem of the Six-Winged Angel embroidered on the chest. Her expression was solemn, making her seem like an entirely different person from the "Xue Qinghe" she usually was.
After a few brief but forceful words, the troops set off.
Banners snapped in the wind and hooves thundered. The long procession wound forward like a colossal dragon, advancing toward the front lines.
Along the way, Zhao Linchuan swept aside all opposition.
Under Captain Sun's "leadership," the Star Luo Empire's defenders either fled or surrendered.
The occupied cities had barely seen a proper battle before one after another returned to Heaven Dou Empire's hands.
At some city gates, the gates stood wide open, and the defending generals came out in person to welcome them.
Some garrisons fled at the first sign of trouble, without putting up even token resistance.
Others simply raised white flags and sent people to negotiate, declaring their willingness to submit.
Zhao Linchuan reclaimed every lost city within Heaven Dou Empire's territory with hardly any effort.
Wherever he went, the people lined the roads to welcome him, burning incense and praying as they chanted "Alliance Leader Zhao."
For a time, Zhao Linchuan's prestige soared like the midday sun, unmatched by anyone.
Before long, the front line had advanced to Jialing